Confidence Tips from Women Over 50

Recently, SHAPE magazine featured women ranging from age 9 to 99 asking them for tips about boosting confidence and self-esteem. The women who are 50 and over are proof that health, happiness, and beauty are ageless as they give advice on how to love yourself at age 50… 70… 90, and beyond.

Lorrie Sullenberger: AGE 52Confidence Tip: Focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.“I really wanted children, but I couldn’t conceive. For a while I hated my body for not doing the one thing it was designed to do, and I punished it at the gym. I figured that if I couldn’t have a baby, at least I could be skinny! Then a friend suggested I go hiking with her. Before I knew it, I stopped being so critical—I was too focused on the hills, colors, and sky to worry about my weight. I finally saw all that my body was capable of—which helped me love it again.”

Roberta Shapiro: AGE 64

Confidence Tip: Don’t stop moving!

“Doing something physical every morning makes me feel good about my body. And that confidence stays with me for the rest of the day. I just think about the fact that I was the oldest woman in Spinning class and could keep up with the instructor—and I know that I can do anything!”

Janet Soskin: AGE 70

Confidence Tip: Concentrate on what your body CAN do.

“There’s so much emphasis today on looking great at every age and having exactly the right body size. I have no desire to be in perfect shape. I want a body that feels good and works without pain. I’ve been blessed so far. Part of it is genetics and part of it is because I take time to exercise, stretch, and move every morning.”

Marian Seldes: AGE 82

Confidence Tip: Own the room.

“Confidence has nothing to do with what you look like. If you obsess over that, you’ll end up being disappointed in yourself all the time. Instead, high self-esteem comes from how you feel in any moment. So walk into a room acting like you’re in charge, and spend your energy on making the people around you happy. Giving confidence to others will come back to you and you’ll end up feeling better about yourself.”

Esther Tuttle: AGE 99Confidence Tip: Be thankful for your body every day.“Your body is your instrument, and you have to take beautiful care of it. I do one hour of yoga and walk for 30 minutes every day. You really enjoy life a lot more if you’re healthy. And I never leave home without putting on lipstick—it makes me feel pretty!”